Falcons Fixtures released

New Geelong Falcons coach Luke Daffy addresses the playing group during one of his two games in charge during 2018. (Geelong Falcons Image/Brian Bartlett)

GEELONG Falcons will open their 2019 season on March 23 at Colac’s Central Reserve against Bendigo Pioneers.

In what is a new-look under-18 competition, the TAC Cup name is no longer, Tasmania has re-entered the competition, and the Sydney, GWS, Brisbane and Gold Coast academy teams will play from rounds two to six.

The Falcons, who will be coached by Luke Daffy, will play 15 matches in what will be a seventeen round season, followed by a Wildcard round featuring teams that finish 5th-13th to determine the eight sides to contest the finals.

They will just play just one match in Geelong (Round 14 vs. GWV Rebels at GMHBA Stadium).

The Falcons will head across Bass Strait in Round 16 to take on Tasmania at North Hobart Oval.

A meeting with the Swans at Carlton’s IKON Park in Round 6 will be their only clash with an academy team.

Meanwhile, the Falcons Girls will open their premiership defence with a trip to Frankston’s Skybus Stadium for a meeting with Sandringham Dragons.

Jason Armistead’s team will again play a nine round season, with three home games at Deakin University and one at Avalon Airport Oval.